What Is Forteo? Uses, Dosage, and What You Need to Know in 2026

Forteo is a prescription medication used to treat severe osteoporosis in adults at high risk for fractures. Unlike most osteoporosis drugs that work by slowing bone loss, Forteo actively stimulates your body to build new bone. Here's everything you need to know about it in 2026.

What Is Forteo?

Forteo is the brand name for teriparatide, manufactured by Eli Lilly and Company. It was first FDA-approved in November 2002. Teriparatide is a synthetic (recombinant) version of the first 34 amino acids of human parathyroid hormone (PTH)—the portion of PTH that activates bone-building activity.

It belongs to a drug class called parathyroid hormone analogs and is classified as an osteoanabolic agent—meaning it works by building bone rather than just preventing bone loss.

FDA-approved generic teriparatide has been available since November 2023 from manufacturers including Teva and Apotex.

What Is Forteo FDA-Approved For?

Forteo has three FDA-approved indications:

Postmenopausal women with osteoporosis at high risk for fracture: This is the most common use. "High risk" is defined as a history of osteoporotic fracture, multiple fracture risk factors, or failure/intolerance to other osteoporosis therapies such as bisphosphonates.

Men with primary or hypogonadal osteoporosis at high risk for fracture: Forteo is one of the few anabolic osteoporosis treatments approved for men.

Men and women with glucocorticoid-induced osteoporosis at high risk for fracture: For patients on long-term corticosteroids (prednisone, etc.) who have developed osteoporosis.

How Is Forteo Taken?

Forteo is given as a subcutaneous (under the skin) injection once per day. Key administration details:

Dose: 20 mcg per injection, once daily

Injection site: Thigh or abdomen (lower stomach area)—rotate sites

Pen device: Prefilled pen delivers 28 doses; one pen = one month's supply

Storage: Must be refrigerated at 2–8°C (36–46°F). Do not freeze. A pen in use should be returned to the refrigerator after each injection.

First injection: Administer while sitting or lying down in case orthostatic hypotension (dizziness) occurs. Stay seated for at least 15 minutes after the first injection.

Timing: Can be taken at any time of day, with or without food. Many patients prefer evening to sleep through mild initial side effects.

How Long Do You Take Forteo?

Forteo is limited to no more than 2 years of use over a patient's lifetime. This limitation is based on osteosarcoma risk observed in rat studies (the relevance to humans is uncertain, and observational human studies have not confirmed this risk). After completing your 2-year course, your doctor will transition you to an antiresorptive medication (such as a bisphosphonate or denosumab) to maintain the bone gains you achieved.

Who Should NOT Take Forteo?

Forteo is not appropriate for everyone. It is contraindicated in patients with:

Paget's disease of bone

Existing bone cancer or prior skeletal malignancy

Prior radiation involving the skeleton

Pediatric patients and young adults with open growth plates (epiphyses)

Pregnancy and breastfeeding (safety not established)

What Does Forteo Cost in 2026?

Brand-name Forteo has a retail cash price of $3,100–$5,400 per pen (28-day supply). Generic teriparatide is approximately $3,400 retail but can be obtained for as low as $1,146 with a GoodRx coupon. For commercially insured patients, the Forteo savings card can reduce monthly cost to as little as $4/month. The Lilly Cares Foundation PAP may provide Forteo at no cost for eligible uninsured patients.

The Bottom Line

Forteo is a powerful, uniquely effective medication for building bone in patients with severe osteoporosis who are at high risk for fracture. It's given as a once-daily injection for up to 2 years, then followed by antiresorptive therapy. Cost and access can be barriers, but multiple savings programs exist. For a deeper look at how teriparatide works biologically, see our guide: How does Forteo work?